Our Top Picks
Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator21.4 cubic_feet28.8 x 35.8 x 69.7 Inches190.5 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side24.5 cubic feet36 x 29 x 70 inches229 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36" Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator29 cu. ft.36.02 x 35.75 x 69.96 InchesCheck on Amazon
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth15.8 cu ft25.04 x 70.08 x 32.91 inches180 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Side by side refrigerators earn their place in kitchens where a full-height freezer next to a full-height fresh-food section matters more than wide shelves, and the ten listings below range from a 15.6 cu. ft. unit to a 29 cu. ft. one. Two of them are not clean matches for the keyword, and we say so in their sections. Every spec here is lifted from the listing titles, which means it is the seller’s claim, so confirm dimensions, dispenser details and warranty terms on the page before you pay.
Top picks at a glance
Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Frost-Free, Tempered Glass Shelves, LED Interior Lighting, Stainless
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Amana 24.6 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator with Dual PAD External ICE and Water Dispenser in Stainless Steel ASI2575GRS
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Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher
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Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36" Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator - FPR Stainless Steel | Space Saving Ice & Water Dispenser, Accela Chill, Accela Freeze, Adjustable Glass Shelving, Fingerprint Resistant SS
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Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in White ASI2175GRW
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Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
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Forno Salerno 33-inch Freestanding Side-by-side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel, 15.6 cu.ft.
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Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator with Freezer, 2-Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice Maker, Water Dispenser, Garage Ready Freezer with Digital Temperature Control, White
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17.7 Cu.Ft. French Door Refrigerators, 30" Full Size Refrigerator (Black) | Black Stainless Steel Beverage Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer, Frost Free Beverage Fridge for Home, Office, Gift
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15.6 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators, 33" Full Size Refrigerator (Black) | Dual Zone Temp Control Beverage Refrigerator with Freezer, Black Stainless Steel Frost-Free Beverage Fridge for Home, Gift
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| Model | Key point from the title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side | Frost-free, tempered glass shelves, LED lighting | Budget | Simple, no-dispenser setups |
| Amana 24.6 cu. ft. ASI2575GRS | Dual PAD external ice and water dispenser | Mid-range | Families who want dispenser convenience |
| Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 cu. ft. | Counter-depth, AutoFill Water Pitcher | Budget to mid-range | Flush look with a self-filling pitcher |
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36-inch | Ice and water dispenser, Accela Chill and Freeze, fingerprint resistant | Premium | Biggest capacity and feature set |
| Amana 21.4 cu. ft. ASI2175GRW | White finish | Mid-range | White-appliance kitchens |
| Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu. ft. | Counter depth, side doors | Mid-range | Tight spaces needing a flat front |
| Forno Salerno 33-inch 15.6 cu. ft. | Freestanding, 33 inches wide | Mid-range | Narrow openings |
| Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. | Built-in ice maker, water dispenser, garage ready freezer | Mid-range | Dispenser plus flexible placement |
| Iceblue 17.7 cu. ft. French door (Black) | Bottom freezer, 30 inches | Mid-range | Off-type: French door, not side by side |
| Iceblue 15.6 cu. ft. 33-inch (Black) | Dual zone temperature control, frost-free | Budget | Small households; read the wording closely |
The category in brief: what shapes the market
Side by side refrigerators have been a staple of American kitchens for decades, and the format is still defined by two tall columns, one for the freezer and one for fresh food. The main shift in recent years has been in how brands position them: more dispenser options, more fingerprint-resistant finishes, and more counter depth variants for open-plan layouts.
Capacity range is wide. In this set it runs from 15.6 cu. ft. to 29 cu. ft., and width runs from 30 to 36 inches according to titles. Wider is not always better, because narrow doors can limit how wide a tray or box can go in. Buyers who used to choose by capacity alone increasingly compare door width, shelf width and how the freezer drawers are laid out.
Dispenser design is the other major differentiator. Some titles mention an external ice and water dispenser, others a built-in ice maker without a dispenser, and some list neither. Each choice trades convenience against cost, plumbing and maintenance. Generic marketplace titles also vary in quality, which is why a few listings here are loosely labeled. Treat this section as general context, not a forecast, and expect individual specs to differ as manufacturers update models.
Another trend is the arrival of lesser-known brands alongside established names. That widens choice and often lowers prices, but it also makes warranty length, parts supply and local service more important checks. A fridge is a ten-year appliance for many households, so the support behind it deserves as much attention as the spec sheet.
How we picked these
We worked from the listing titles supplied for the category and sorted each unit by capacity, width, depth type and dispenser, flagging wording that looked unclear. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Our basis is published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews, and where a title leaves something out we write "check the listing" and do not fill the gap from memory.
The ten listings, in detail
Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Frost-Free, Tempered Glass Shelves, LED Interior Lighting, Stainless
The title offers 21.4 cu. ft., frost-free operation, tempered glass shelves, LED interior lighting and a stainless look. It does not mention a dispenser, so this reads as a straightforward fridge that sits in the budget tier of the set.
It suits a household that wants a classic side by side without the plumbing, such as a rental or a first home. Frost-free design means you should not need to defrost by hand, and glass shelves are easy to wipe after a spill.
- Pro: no dispenser means no water line to plan.
- Pro: capacity close to a typical family fridge.
- Con: fewer convenience features than the dispenser models.
- Con: width and depth are not in the title.
Think of it as the baseline against which the dispenser models should justify their extra cost: if you rarely use ice or filtered water from the door, the simpler unit has less to maintain and fewer places for a leak to start. Tempered glass is also kinder to cleaning with a damp cloth than wire racks. Check the listing for width, depth, noise and warranty. Question to ask: does the 21.4 cu. ft. figure include the freezer, and what is the split?
Amana 24.6 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator with Dual PAD External ICE and Water Dispenser, ASI2575GRS
This is a large unit at 24.6 cu. ft. with a Dual PAD external ice and water dispenser, stainless steel finish and model number ASI2575GRS. The capitalization in the title is uneven, which is a reminder that titles are seller-typed and not an official spec sheet.
It fits a busy family that goes through ice and cold water all day. A scenario: kids filling bottles before school, where an external dispenser avoids opening the door each time.
- Pro: external dispenser for ice and water.
- Pro: roomy capacity for weekly shops.
- Con: dispensers add parts and filter upkeep.
- Con: the title leaves out dimensions and counter depth status.
Because dispensers pull from a plumbed supply, expect a filter to change at the interval the manual sets, and expect a little extra noise from the ice cycle. Families with a pantry freezer elsewhere may find the capacity more than they need, so run the sizing example further down before committing. Check the listing for the water line requirement, filter type and ice bin size. Question to ask: what is the model number’s stated width, and does it fit between your cabinets?
Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher
Midea’s listing combines 24.5 cu. ft. with counter-depth styling and an AutoFill Water Pitcher, in stainless. That is a rare blend of a large capacity and a flatter profile in this set, though the title does not give depth or width.
It suits a kitchen where the old fridge jutted into the walkway and you want cold water without a plumbed door dispenser. The pitcher feature may save shelf space compared with a manual pitcher, subject to how it actually fills.
- Pro: counter-depth look at a large stated capacity.
- Pro: self-filling pitcher concept.
- Con: counter depth usually trades some interior volume.
- Con: pitcher details are not explained in the title.
Pitchers need regular washing as any water container does, so read how easily the part comes out and goes back in, and whether it has a filter of its own. Check the listing for how the pitcher is supplied and cleaned, plus actual dimensions. Question to ask: is the 24.5 cu. ft. figure usable volume or total volume?
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36-inch Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
The largest here, and the only 36-inch-wide model in the titles. It lists a space-saving ice and water dispenser, Accela Chill, Accela Freeze, adjustable glass shelving and a fingerprint resistant finish. Accela Chill and Accela Freeze are feature names, so the listing must explain what they do.
It suits big households and people who want one fridge to hold everything. The fingerprint resistant finish is a practical bonus if kids use the dispenser a lot.
- Pro: highest capacity in the set.
- Pro: adjustable shelving to reshape the interior.
- Con: premium price tier and a 36-inch width that needs a wide opening.
- Con: feature names that need decoding.
At this size the delivery logistics matter as much as the features: confirm the carton dimensions, the weight, and whether the seller offers placement indoors. A 36-inch body also needs space for the doors to open without catching a wall or an island. Check the listing for exact depth, the water supply requirement and delivery terms. Question to ask: will it clear the door frames and stairs on the way in?
Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in White, ASI2175GRW
This title is short: 21.4 cu. ft., side by side, white, model ASI2175GRW. It does not mention a dispenser or other features, so the listing is the only place to learn them.
The white finish suits kitchens with white cabinets or appliances, and the capacity matches the Element unit above. It would be a candidate when you want a recognised appliance maker’s name on a simpler layout.
- Pro: white finish for matching a kitchen scheme.
- Pro: mid-sized capacity for most families.
- Con: the title offers very few features to compare.
- Con: white shows scuffs and stains over time.
Because the title is so brief, this is the listing where photos and the spec table do most of the work. Compare the shelf count, the freezer baskets and the door bins with the other two 21.4 cu. ft.-class options so you are not guessing. Check the listing for whether it has an ice maker or dispenser and what the interior layout looks like. Question to ask: how does it differ from the 24.6 cu. ft. Amana that has the dispenser?
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
The title says 15.6 cu. ft., counter depth, full size, side doors and stainless. The phrase side doors is not the same as side by side, so check the listing to see whether this is a vertical split design or something else, and view the photos.
If it is a side by side, the counter depth shape and lower capacity target small kitchens or secondary spaces. Our counter depth refrigerator guide compares that style more broadly.
- Pro: counter depth for a flat front.
- Pro: smaller capacity suits small households.
- Con: ambiguous door description in the title.
- Con: a modest capacity limits bulk shopping.
With only 15.6 cu. ft. to work with, organizing matters: bins and shelf spacing decide how much of that capacity you can actually use. A counter depth body also means long items such as a whole watermelon may need to be placed with care. Check the listing for the door layout, dimensions and warranty. Question to ask: which sections are the freezer and the fresh food?
Forno Salerno 33-inch Freestanding Side-by-side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel, 15.6 cu.ft.
This one states 33 inches wide, freestanding, side by side, stainless, 15.6 cu. ft. That makes it a fit for openings too narrow for the 36-inch model while still using the vertical split.
It suits apartments, condos and smaller kitchens that want a freezer at eye level. Freestanding means it is meant to stand on its own and not slide into a built-in cabinet cut-out.
- Pro: narrower body than the largest models.
- Pro: clearly described as side by side.
- Con: 15.6 cu. ft. is on the small side for larger families.
- Con: the title lists no dispenser or ice maker.
A narrower fridge fits more kitchens, but it also means narrower shelves, so a wide cake tin or tray may not slide in. Look for shelf width in the specifications, and think about whether the handles stick out far enough to hit a nearby wall. Check the listing for depth, handle projection and noise. Question to ask: do the stated 33 inches include handles or hinges?
Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator with Freezer, Built-in Ice Maker, Water Dispenser, Garage Ready Freezer, White
The title lists 18.1 cu. ft., a built-in ice maker, a water dispenser, a garage ready freezer, digital temperature control and a white finish. The garage ready phrase is a seller claim; do not place it in a garage without a stated ambient temperature range from the manual.
It suits someone who wants an ice and water setup at a mid-range capacity, perhaps with flexible placement. The digital control should make adjustments easier, but buyers should check the interface.
- Pro: ice maker and dispenser in a mid-sized unit.
- Pro: digital temperature control.
- Con: garage use depends on the real temperature range.
- Con: the title does not describe warranty or service coverage.
Garage use is a common reason people look for this feature, since a spare fridge there often holds drinks and bulk food. Even so, ask about the stated range at both ends, hot summer and freezing winter, and keep the manufacturer’s installation clearances in mind. Check the listing for the water supply method, ambient range, warranty and service network. Question to ask: who services this brand in your area?
17.7 Cu.Ft. French Door Refrigerators, 30" Full Size Refrigerator (Black), Iceblue
Plainly off-type: the title says French door with a bottom freezer, and it also calls itself a black stainless steel beverage refrigerator, which is confusing for a full-size appliance. It is not a side by side, and we include it only because it appeared in the category.
It might suit someone who wants a 30-inch French door shape and not the vertical split. If that is your goal, our French door refrigerator guide is the better starting point.
- Pro: 30-inch width for narrower openings.
- Pro: bottom freezer layout is easy on the back.
- Con: not a side by side, so not what the keyword means.
- Con: mixed wording (full size and beverage) needs clarifying.
A mislabeled or loosely described product is one of the more common problems on large marketplaces, and the cure is to read the specification section, not only the headline. If you actually want French door styling, compare it against dedicated French door models with clearer descriptions. Check the listing for what it really is, the temperature range and the warranty. Question to ask: is it meant to hold groceries or only drinks?
15.6 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators, 33" Full Size Refrigerator (Black), Iceblue
The title states a 33-inch side by side with 15.6 cu. ft., dual zone temperature control, black stainless steel and frost-free operation, but also calls it a beverage refrigerator with a freezer. Treat the beverage wording as unclear and check what temperatures each section holds.
It could suit a small household or a secondary space where a vertical split is wanted. The budget tier makes it attractive, but the loose title is a reason to read the listing carefully.
- Pro: side by side layout, as stated.
- Pro: dual zone control suggests adjustable sections.
- Con: beverage wording blurs the intended use.
- Con: no dispenser listed.
Beverage refrigerators are usually set up for drinks at a different temperature than food storage, so if the listing supports both uses, it should state the temperature range for each section. Until it does, treat food storage in it with caution and follow food safety guidance. Check the listing for the interior layout, the temperature range and warranty. Question to ask: can it store everyday groceries safely at refrigerator temperatures?
What to check before you choose
Width, depth and door swing
Titles in this set show widths of 30, 33 and 36 inches. A side by side has narrower doors than a French door, so the swing is shorter, but handles and the back gap still count. Measure the opening, the delivery path and the clearance in the manual, then compare to the listing. Counter depth models try to line up with cabinets, though the volume is usually smaller.
Capacity and household size
Capacity here runs from 15.6 to 29 cu. ft. A rough planning figure is about 5 cu. ft. per person, with more if you shop in bulk. It is a starting point, not a rule. Also compare the freezer share, because side by side units tend to give a larger freezer column than a household needs.
Dispenser, ice maker and water line
An external dispenser is convenient and adds a water filter and plumbing. A built-in ice maker without a dispenser needs a water line too. Units with neither need only an outlet. Connecting water is plumbing: use a qualified professional if unsure, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes. Never use an extension cord unless the manual allows it.
Noise, energy and ventilation
Refrigerators cycle on and off, and the sound of the compressor, the fan and the ice cycle can carry through an open-plan home. Titles rarely state decibels, so read the listing and buyer comments for mentions of noise. Look for an energy guide label or the manufacturer’s estimated annual consumption, and leave the ventilation gaps the manual specifies, since a cramped fridge works harder.
Care and maintenance
Wipe door gaskets so the seal stays tight, vacuum the coils at the interval in the manual, and replace water filters on schedule. Keep the temperature settings at the levels the manual recommends for food safety, and do not overload shelves that block airflow. A fridge that is level and not pushed hard against a wall runs more quietly.
Worked example: a household of four with a 36-inch opening
Assume four people, weekly shopping, and an opening of 36 inches with a 1-inch gap per side. Using 5 cu. ft. per person gives 20 cu. ft. The Amana 24.6 and Midea 24.5 would have room to spare, the Element 21.4 and Amana 21.4 would be close to the target, and the Kenmore 29 would be at the opening limit with no spare width, so you would need to read its listing closely. If the household drank a lot of cold water, a dispenser model would score higher. These figures are illustrative assumptions.
For electricity, assume a refrigerator uses 600 kWh a year and your rate is 15 cents per kWh: that is 90 dollars a year. Both numbers are placeholders; the energy label on the listing or the unit gives the real estimate.
| Spec concept | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 30, 33 or 36 inches versus your opening | Decides if it fits, with ventilation gaps |
| Depth type | Counter depth or standard | Changes how far it sticks out and the volume |
| Capacity | Cubic feet versus household size | Prevents overbuying or running out of space |
| Dispenser | External, none or pitcher | Determines plumbing and filter needs |
| Door layout | Side by side, French door, side doors | Affects how you load and reach items |
| Ambient rating | Stated operating range | Matters for garages and unheated spaces |
Mistakes buyers make
Ordering by capacity alone is the first mistake; a 29 cu. ft. fridge that does not fit the doorway is worse than a 21 cu. ft. one that does. Second, buyers overlook the narrow shelf problem with a side by side: a wide pizza box or a sheet pan may not fit in a section that is only a few inches wide.
Third, many skip checking whether the listing actually means what the keyword says. In this set, one title is French door and another says side doors, so a quick look at product photos saves a return. Fourth, people assume garage ready means any climate; ask for the temperature range in writing from the manual.
Fifth, they underestimate the maintenance of an ice and water dispenser, including filters and the water line. Finally, they ignore service availability, which matters more for brands with fewer local repair options.
Which one for which kitchen
For the biggest capacity, start with the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. For dispenser convenience at a mid-sized price, compare the Amana 24.6 and Electactic 18.1. For a flatter front, look at the Midea 24.5 and the Hamilton Beach once its door layout is confirmed. For narrow openings, the Forno at 33 inches and the 33-inch Iceblue are the candidates. For simple, no-dispenser setups, the Element 21.4 and the white Amana 21.4 are the plain choices. Skip the French door Iceblue if a side by side is what you want. If you are still undecided between formats, read the French door guide linked above and compare how each layout fits the way you load groceries. Whatever you pick, plan the delivery route, confirm the water line needs before the truck arrives, and keep the manual for the filter part number.
Frequently asked questions
Is a side by side refrigerator better than a French door model?
Neither is better in every case. Side by side units split fresh food and freezer vertically, so both sections are full height and easy to reach, while narrow compartments can struggle with wide platters and pizza boxes. French door models give a wider fresh-food area and usually put the freezer in a bottom drawer. Check shelf widths on the listing against the items you store.
What does counter depth mean on a refrigerator?
Counter depth describes a body meant to sit roughly in line with standard kitchen counters, which gives a flatter, built-in look. The trade-off is often less interior volume than a standard depth fridge of similar width. Two titles in this set use the term, but depth figures differ, so compare the stated dimensions, including handles, against your cabinets.
Do I need a water line for the ice and water dispenser?
Many external dispensers use a plumbed water supply, though the listing and manual decide the details for each model. A water line is plumbing, so use a qualified professional if you are unsure, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes. Models listed without a dispenser skip this step entirely, which is a point in their favor for simple installs.
Is a garage ready freezer the same as a normal freezer?
Not necessarily. One listing here uses the phrase garage ready, which suggests operation in unheated or hot spaces, but a title cannot tell you the temperature range. Check the manual or ask the seller for the stated ambient range before placing any refrigerator in a garage, because cold or heat outside the range can cause poor cooling.
How much space should a side by side refrigerator have around it?
The manual gives the exact numbers, and they typically cover gaps at the top, back and sides plus door swing. Leave enough room for ventilation and for the doors to open to the angle you need for drawers to slide out. Measure the delivery path as well, since a unit that fits the opening may not pass through a tight hallway.
Why do some listings here look like different types of refrigerator?
Marketplace titles are written by sellers, and wording can be loose. One Iceblue listing says French door, another says beverage refrigerator, and the Hamilton Beach title says side doors without the words side by side. We include them because they appeared in the category, and we flag where the match is weak.
